Marie’s Feedback on Last Year’s Academic Year and This Year

Despite the unstable and dangerous conditions in Haiti over the past few years, students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to thrive. As noted by Marie Taylor Joseph, most students have managed to keep up with their schoolwork, even amidst the chaos. 

She shared, "We are more than satisfied about the end of the school year because we got results we didn’t even expect." It’s inspiring to see how, despite the violence that has caused many students to miss school days, a strong community effort has made a significant difference. 

However, it is important to note that due to Haiti’s current conditions, twenty students stopped coming to Marie’s school completely as a direct consequence of violence. This school year, we are hopeful for positive change, ensuring all students receive an education. 

Thanks to teachers like Marie Taylor, and hopeful parents, the community is working tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for learning. For this next academic school year, we pray there will be some positive changes in Haiti, and that the two opposing fighting groups can make peace, allowing schools in rural areas to operate effectively and safely.

Relaunching the Men Kontre Program

After nearly a year of being paused, our Men Kontre Program officially relaunched this August! Once again, we are dedicated to aiding those in need in Haiti. Through this program, we tackle food insecurity by providing food supplies to families in Port au Prince once a month. Camesuze, the eldest woman in our Men Kontre Program, said, “It was time to restart this activity. Thanks to it, I can expect to have something for two weeks since I’m living alone.”

By relaunching this program, we support Haitian families and individuals facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities, such as food. Our goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to foster a sense of community and support among participants. Each distribution serves not just as a supply of food, but also as an opportunity for families to connect, share their stories, and empower one another.

For the recipients of the Men Kontre Program, this initiative is more than just a box of food; it’s a lifeline. Knowing that a consistent source of food is available brings a sense of relief and stability. For many, this program represents hope during uncertain times, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as education and employment.

We are grateful for the opportunity to relaunch this program, thank to you! Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need and help uplift the community of Port au Prince.

Meet Fara Valentin

Through our Young Dreams Sponsorship Program, we recently had the opportunity to meet Fara Valentin, a 37-year-old teacher in Haiti. She is a mother of four, with her partner working as a taxi moto driver.

For nearly nine years, Fara has dedicated herself to educating young Haitian children, helping them unlock their full potential. She shared, “What makes me proud of my profession is seeing the transformation in a student’s competencies from the beginning to the end of the school year. It fills me with hope to think that one day these students will grow up to be valuable contributors to our country.”

However, Fara is often concerned about her students and their education, as many arrive at school without essential resources. Most students come to class without books, and many are sent to school on an empty stomach, unable to afford food or lunch money.

Around the world, countless children are eager to learn but face significant barriers due to a lack of resources. Haiti is no exception. The challenges these students face highlight the urgent need for support and resources to ensure they receive the education they deserve.